Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) vs QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM)
A side-by-side comparison of Merck & Co., Inc. and QUALCOMM Incorporated across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 11, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
Different business models: MRK is classified in Healthcare; QCOM is classified in Technology. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.
MRK
Merck & Co., Inc.
$143.94HealthcareDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
QCOM
QUALCOMM Incorporated
$181.97TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — MRK vs QCOM
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yMRK +246.0% (+13.2%/yr)QCOM +266.6% (+13.9%/yr)QCOM compounded faster over this window
MRK QCOM
MRK vs QCOM: by the numbers
- •MRK is the larger company ($355.49B vs $191.07B market cap).
- •QCOM trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (20.77 vs 115.15 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •QCOM converts more revenue to profit (21.01% vs 4.78% net margin).
- •MRK grew revenue faster over the past five years (7.87% vs 6.23% CAGR).
- •MRK pays the higher dividend yield (2.32% vs 2.05%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | MRK | QCOM |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 115.15 | 20.77 |
| Forward P/E | 52.41 | 17.26 |
| P/S ratio | 5.35 | 4.34 |
| P/B ratio | 8.48 | 6.91 |
| EV / EBITDA | 22.76 | 17.11 |
| FCF yield | 4.52% | 5.45% |
Profitability
| Metric | MRK | QCOM |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 75.38% | 54.23% |
| Operating margin | 36.17% | 23.19% |
| Net margin | 4.78% | 21.01% |
| ROE | 7.57% | 33.48% |
| ROIC | 5.80% | 17.42% |
Dividends
| Metric | MRK | QCOM |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.32% | 2.05% |
| Payout ratio | 268.80% | 41.32% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | MRK | QCOM |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 7.87% | 6.23% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 21.21% | 2.02% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 23.61% | 2.09% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 18.15% | 6.80% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, MRK or QCOM?
- QCOM has the lower trailing P/E: MRK trades at 115.15 and QCOM at 20.77. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, MRK or QCOM?
- Over the past five years, MRK grew revenue faster — MRK at a 7.87% CAGR versus QCOM at 6.23%.
- Does MRK or QCOM pay a bigger dividend?
- MRK yields 2.32% and QCOM yields 2.05% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is MRK or QCOM more profitable?
- QCOM runs the higher net margin — MRK at 4.78% versus QCOM at 21.01%.
- How have MRK and QCOM total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, MRK delivered 12.68% and QCOM delivered 14.33% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Merck P/E ratioQUALCOMM P/E ratioMerck dividend yieldQUALCOMM dividend yieldMerck ROEQUALCOMM ROEMerck operating marginQUALCOMM operating marginMerck revenue growthQUALCOMM revenue growthMerck free cash flowQUALCOMM free cash flow
Merck & QUALCOMM appear in these rankings
Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified September 11, 2026.